Question about bodyfat...

Scott Parker · 01-17-2003, 01:09 PM

so my roommate recently purchased a scale that measures bodyfat and is supposed to be reliable to 1/10th of 1%. depending on the time of day, hydration level, etc i have been getting readings anywhere from 6.8 to 7.7% bodyfat.

so my question is, what is healthy as far as bodyfat goes? i am tall and lean, follow a pretty strict paleo dieat and the WOD, but wanted to get a bit leaner, but after getting these readings i'm thinking that i am right where i want to be and was curious what the general consencious was.

thanks,

scott

Robert Wolf · 01-17-2003, 09:25 PM

I think for males anything below 5% for extended periods of time will start causing problems. Based on the values of athletes and modern huntergatherers anything between 5-10% is pretty good. Your values are likely pretty ideal. Mine is at 5% and that just seems to be where my body wants to be. I certianly do not limit calories and have been adding muscle over the past several months. If you should ever start gaining significant bodyfat particularly in the abdominal region that would be a reason for concern and some reevaluation would be in order.
Robb

Scott Parker · 01-17-2003, 09:36 PM

nice. so how do you add muscle without adding fat on the paleo diet? just eat more?

scott

Robert Wolf · 01-18-2003, 09:04 AM

Increasing my fat consumption and as my bodyweight slowly increases my protein. Avoiding meals with large amounts of fat and carbs. Getting to the body fat levels we are at seems to make the process of adding muscle instead fo fat an easier one likely due to excellent insulin sensitivity.
have fun!
Robb

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01-17-2003, 01:09 PM	#1
Scott Parker Member Profile: Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Denver CO Posts: 489	so my roommate recently purchased a scale that measures bodyfat and is supposed to be reliable to 1/10th of 1%. depending on the time of day, hydration level, etc i have been getting readings anywhere from 6.8 to 7.7% bodyfat. so my question is, what is healthy as far as bodyfat goes? i am tall and lean, follow a pretty strict paleo dieat and the WOD, but wanted to get a bit leaner, but after getting these readings i'm thinking that i am right where i want to be and was curious what the general consencious was. thanks, scott

01-17-2003, 09:25 PM	#2
Robert Wolf Member Profile: Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Chico CA Posts: 2,669	I think for males anything below 5% for extended periods of time will start causing problems. Based on the values of athletes and modern huntergatherers anything between 5-10% is pretty good. Your values are likely pretty ideal. Mine is at 5% and that just seems to be where my body wants to be. I certianly do not limit calories and have been adding muscle over the past several months. If you should ever start gaining significant bodyfat particularly in the abdominal region that would be a reason for concern and some reevaluation would be in order. Robb

01-17-2003, 09:36 PM	#3
Scott Parker Member Profile: Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Denver CO Posts: 489	nice. so how do you add muscle without adding fat on the paleo diet? just eat more? scott

01-18-2003, 09:04 AM	#4
Robert Wolf Member Profile: Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Chico CA Posts: 2,669	Increasing my fat consumption and as my bodyweight slowly increases my protein. Avoiding meals with large amounts of fat and carbs. Getting to the body fat levels we are at seems to make the process of adding muscle instead fo fat an easier one likely due to excellent insulin sensitivity. have fun! Robb